The Rocket

Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: MCT Campus Chris Henry, who recently returned from suspension, is a key component in a Bengals offense that averages more than 27 points per game. Henry is still available in many leagues and has favorable match-ups in the upcoming weeks. [Click to enlarge]

Now is the time to make your move.

In many leagues, free-agent and trade deadlines are looming, and now is the time to look ahead at teams with favorable late-season match-ups so you can acquire players with the potential to excel as your team pushes for a playoff spot and hopefully a league championship.

Even if your team appears set already, acquiring players from these teams could be key.

Arizona Cardinals - The Cardinals are a playoff participant's dream late this season.

Running back Edgerrin James and wideouts Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald should all produce fine numbers.

In the coming weeks they get to chew on the Bengals, 49ers, Browns, Saints, Falcons and Rams, with the only decent defense they'll play in that stretch being that of the Seattle Seahawks.

Cincinnati Bengals - After a few rough match-ups (weeks 11, 12 and 13 are against the surprising Cardinals and Titans, and the steady Steelers), the classic winning fantasy combination of a defense that can't stop anyone and an offense that shreds bad defenses should win the day here, as the Bengals get the Rams, 49ers, Browns and Dolphins during the time most fantasy leagues are having their playoffs.

Also, be sure to pick up wide receiver Chris Henry if he's on your league's waiver wire.

Henry returned from suspension showing the form that made him a 2006 surprise.

Cleveland Browns - The surprising Browns offense should show few signs of stopping, as they have no less than five favorable match-ups in the last few weeks.

The Cleveland-Cincinnati showdown in week 16 alone may decide a multitude of fantasy championships.

Green Bay Packers - At this point, unless you have Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, lucky owners should know to start Favre regardless of match-up.

However, in running back Ryan Grant, the Packers seem to have found the solution to their running woes, and he faces some of the worst rushing defenses in the league over the next few weeks.

Minnesota Vikings - At this point, starting Adrian Peterson is a given when he's healthy.

But even with Peterson out, the Vikings play terrible rushing defenses in six of their last seven games, so consider acquiring and using Chester Taylor until Peterson gets healthy.

Pittsburgh Steelers - Positioned among a few rough match-ups with New England and Jacksonville are cupcakes against the Jets, Dolphins, Rams and Bengals.

Rocco Cremonese is an English graduate student.

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